Hadith #3057

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنِ احْتاجَ إلَيْكَ وَجَبَ إسْعافُهُ عَلَيْكَ۔

This can be translated as,

When someone turns to you with his needs, it becomes obligatory upon you to help him.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (ihtaja) "احْتاجَ" means

to be in need

or "to require assistance." The word (is'af) "إسْعافُ" means "to aid" or "to support." And the word (wajaba) "وَجَبَ" means "to become obligatory" or "to be incumbent."

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of helping those in need. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:195)

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the obligation to spend in the way of Allah and help those in need. It reminds us that by assisting others, we are not only fulfilling our duty but also earning the love of Allah. Similarly, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 17:29)

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

This verse warns against being stingy or refusing to help others. It encourages us to be generous and open-hearted, reminding us that withholding assistance can lead to blame and financial difficulties. These Quranic verses provide a foundation for understanding the obligation of helping those in need as emphasized in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Imam Ali's statement serves as a reminder that when someone seeks our help, it is not merely a choice but a duty upon us to assist them. This obligation arises from our responsibility as Muslims to embody compassion, kindness, and selflessness. By fulfilling this duty, we emulate the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was renowned for his knowledge and wisdom.

The consequences of neglecting this obligation can be detrimental. When we turn away from those in need, we not only fail to fulfill our duty but also miss out on the opportunity to earn the pleasure of Allah. Moreover, our actions reflect upon the image of Islam and Muslims as a whole. If we neglect our duty to help others, it can tarnish the reputation of our faith and hinder the spread of goodness and compassion.

On the other hand, fulfilling this obligation brings about numerous benefits. By aiding those in need, we contribute to the well-being of society and foster a sense of unity and solidarity among Muslims. Our actions become a means of spreading goodness and inspiring others to follow suit. Furthermore, the act of helping others purifies our hearts, strengthens our faith, and draws us closer to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of our obligation to help those in need. It emphasizes the importance of embodying compassion, kindness, and selflessness in our interactions with others. By fulfilling this duty, we not only earn the pleasure of Allah but also contribute to the betterment of society and the spread of goodness. May Allah guide us to be proactive in assisting those in need and grant us the ability to fulfill our obligations as Muslims.